How to Make a Stunning Quilted Pillow Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide

On a cool, breezy afternoon, I found myself wandering through the narrow lanes of my hometown, reminiscing about the past. Each corner held a memory, but one particular memory stood out – my grandmother’s old house. As I approached the familiar wooden door, memories flooded back.

I remembered the countless hours I spent in her cozy living room, surrounded by her vast collection of quilts. Each quilt told a story, a testament to her skill and passion for quilting.

One day, she handed me a small, worn-out patchwork quilt. “This was my first quilt,” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with pride.

That quilt was more than just fabric and thread; it was a tapestry of memories, dreams, and love. It was then that I realized the power of quilting. It wasn’t just about creating patterns; it was about weaving stories, preserving memories, and expressing oneself.

Years later, as I ventured into the world of quilting, I often found myself seeking inspiration.

From visiting various quilt shops near me to browsing through the vast collection at the fatquarter shop, my journey in quilting was filled with discoveries. And then, on a fateful day, a dear friend shared a link to a quilted pillow cover tutorial.

The design was reminiscent of the patterns I had seen in my grandmother’s collection. Inspired by that design and the memories of my grandmother, I decided to craft my own version of the quilted pillow cover.

Today, I’m thrilled to share this journey with you. Through this tutorial, I hope to not only guide you in creating a beautiful quilted pillow cover but also inspire you to weave your own stories and memories into your creations.

So, let’s embark on this quilting adventure together.

Introduction to the Project

Quilting has been a cherished tradition in many cultures, passed down through generations. It’s an art form that allows us to express ourselves, preserve memories, and create functional pieces of beauty. Today, I’ll be guiding you through a simple yet elegant quilted pillow cover tutorial, inspired by the Pixie Dust Block design. This design offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a great addition to any living space.

Materials Needed

• Fat quarter Nail Polish Stripe White
• Fat quarter Polka Bow Black
• Fat quarter Falsies Pink
• Fat quarter Lips Main Grey
• 2/3 yard Polka Bow Purple
• 2/3 yard Nail Polish Stripe Pink (backing)
• 1/2 yard muslin for lining
• Needle Felted Batting
• 20″ invisible zipper
• 20″ pillow form
• Pixie Dust Block Pattern

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fabric Selection and Preparation:

• 1.1 Choose fabrics that complement each other.
• 1.2 Wash, dry, and iron the fabrics to ensure they’re clean and wrinkle-free.

2. Cutting the Blocks:

• 2.1 Spread out your fabric on a flat surface.
• 2.2 Using the Pixie Dust Quilt Block pattern, trace and cut out 2 regular blocks.
• 2.3 For mirror-image blocks, fold the fabric and trace the pattern. Cut out two pieces to achieve the mirrored effect.

3. Block Assembly:

• 3.1 Lay the four blocks on a flat surface.
• 3.2 Decide on the final arrangement, considering color and pattern balance.
• 3.3 Pin adjacent blocks together to prevent them from moving.
• 3.4 Sew the blocks together using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the seams either upwards or downwards.

4. Quilting Preparation:

• 4.1 Place the Needle Felted Batting behind the pieced blocks.
• 4.2 Trim the batting to match the size of the blocks.
• 4.3 Attach a muslin lining to the back of the blocks using pins.
• 4.4 Baste the layers together to prevent shifting during quilting.

5. Quilting Process:

• 5.1 Decide on a quilting pattern. You can follow the fabric designs or create your own.
• 5.2 Start quilting from the center, moving outwards to ensure evenness.
• 5.3 Use a quilting foot and maintain a consistent seam allowance, approximately 1/3″ from the seams.

6. Preparing the Backing:

• 6.1 Choose your backing fabric (Nail Polish Stripe Pink recommended).
• 6.2 Cut the fabric to match the size of the quilted front.
• 6.3 Iron the backing fabric to ensure it’s smooth.

7. Zipper Insertion:

• 7.1 Lay the zipper face down on the right side of the quilted front, aligning the edges.
• 7.2 Using an invisible zipper foot, sew one side of the zipper.
• 7.3 Repeat the process for the other side of the zipper on the backing fabric.
• 7.4 Ensure the zipper opens and closes smoothly.

8. Assembling the Pillow Cover:

• 8.1 With the zipper partially open, place the front and back pieces right sides together.
• 8.2 Pin the edges to keep the fabrics aligned.
• 8.3 Sew around the three remaining sides using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
• 8.4 Reinforce the areas near the zipper ends by backstitching.

9. Finishing Touches:

• 9.1 Turn the pillow cover right side out through the open zipper.
• 9.2 Gently push out the corners for a sharp finish.
• 9.3 Insert the 20″ pillow form, adjusting it to fit snugly.
• 9.4 Zip up the cover and fluff the pillow to shape.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Crafting a quilted pillow cover is more than just a creative endeavor; it’s a journey into the world of textiles, patterns, and personal expression.

Each stitch, each choice of fabric, and each design decision tells a story. Today, you’ve not only created a functional piece of art but also embarked on a journey that connects you to the rich tapestry of quilting traditions that span generations.

The beauty of quilting lies in its ability to transform simple fabrics into intricate designs, each with its own unique narrative.

As you lay your head on this pillow, or as it graces your living space, remember the time, effort, and love you poured into it. It’s a testament to your dedication, creativity, and the timeless allure of quilting.

Moreover, this pillow cover serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It’s a nod to the age-old art of quilting, passed down through generations, while also being a contemporary piece that reflects modern design sensibilities.

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or this is your first project, the skills and knowledge you’ve gained are invaluable. They pave the way for more intricate projects, deeper explorations into the world of textiles, and countless more stories waiting to be stitched.

As you move forward, let this quilted pillow cover be a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you choose to gift it, use it, or even sell it, its value goes beyond its aesthetic appeal.

It’s a piece of your heart, your history, and your passion. Here’s to many more quilting adventures and the stories they’ll bring to life. Happy quilting!